Abstract : Motivation for the present paper is based upon the presumption that unaccountable errors or deficiencies in design and/or materials selection may lead to the initiation of rapid fracture and that to avoid the normal catastrophic consequences of this, it is highly desirable to devise an arrest mechanism which will halt a crack before gross failure occurs. Two major approaches are suggested: one relates to the exploitation of materials; the other to the integration of structural design techniques. The former entails the development and use of materials which by their toughness characteristics help in arresting propagating cracks; the latter entails techniques whereby the stress levels near the crack tip are subdued as a result of structural configuration.